What is a ruptured disc? answers (629)

A: Between the vertebrae on your spine are pads called discs, which consist of a jelly-type substance encased in a bony shell. A ruptured or herniated disc occurs when this jelly pokes through the a crack or weak spot in the shell.CausesA ruptured disc often develops as a natural part of the aging process due to wear and tear along your spine, reports the Mayo Clinic. Infrequently a fall or hard force to your back may result in a ruptured disc....

A: A ruptured disc injury occurs when the fluid from a spinal disc’s nucleus escapes through a crack in the outer ring of the disc, known as the annulus fibrosus. The fluid usually applies pressure to a nerve causing pain. The most common ruptured disc treatment usually involves such non-invasive treatments as anti-inflammatory medications, exercise and physical therapy. With more serious ruptures, the condition may require surgical treatment. In many cases, a combination of non-invasive and surgical treatments are used. The most common ruptured disc treatment involves...

A: The backbone is a series of small vertebral bones that surround the spinal cord tissue. Each vertebra is separated from the neighboring vertebra by a gelatinous cushion called an intervertebral disc. These discs can be thought of as shock absorbers that prevent contact between the vertebrae. When these disks are injured, through trauma, age, or disc disease, they can bulge or even rupture. When the gelatinous substance inside the disk seeps out of the confines of the disk it is called a ruptured...

A: Slipped disc is a term that is used loosely to describe an abnormal condition in which a spinal disc is under pressure between two vertebrae. It is also referred to as a herniated disc, bulging disc, compressed disc, and prolapsed disc. A slipped disc usually causes pain that can range from mild to severe. Depending on where the rupture is located, it can also cause numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, and in severe cases, a slipped disc can interfere with bowel...

A: Although I am not a physician or neurosurgeon, I can tell you that PT and slow stretching exercises are very beneficial.  These exercises keep the muscles relaxed in the affected area and thereby relieve additional pain caused by the muscles contracting to protect the area from additional injury.  The constant contraction sets up a pain cycle all its own. I advise caution with ruptured discs and chiropractic treatment. It is important to find a good chiropractor and discuss the injury along with supplying the chiropractor with any x-rays or MRis.  They need a full picture of...

A: A posterior disc herniation is damage that occurs in the lower lumbar area of the spine, which is the lower portion of the back. The spine is made up of vertebrae, or bones, that are cushioned by discs. One of these discs may become herniated when a portion of its soft center bulges outward. Often called a slipped or ruptured disc, this condition can cause mild to severe pain, as well as possible numbness and incontinence.. Some risk factors can contribute to developing a posterior disc herniation, such as excess weight...

A: A herniated disc is a spinal abnormality, frequently the result of wear and tear on the body, or injury. It is referred to my many different names, which tend to be used interchangeably, although they may not be completely accurate. Some of the most common terms used to describe this condition are pinched nerve, ruptured disc, slipped disc and sciatica.. While these terms are widely used, technically, a pinched nerve is not the same as a herniated disc. It is in fact the result of a herniated disc, which causes the...

A: You come here for medical advice from people who know nothing about medicine? Are you crazy? Listen to your doctor who is qualified, trained, and licensed to give medical advice. People on this site are not!! Chow!! If you allow it to remain as is, it could get to the point that you can''t walk. As with any surgery, there is always risks. However, I would rather have the surgery and walk, then to live in pain and potentially be unable to walk. Be sure that you get a second opinion. Keep in mind that even doctor''s make mistakes. In the meantime, try to keep your pain level down, as best as you can, th

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A: Also known as a herniated or bulging disc, a compressed disc is a condition in which the integrity of one or more discs have deteriorated to the point that the nerves exiting from the vertebrae are placed under a great deal of pressure. Depending on the severity of the situation, the condition can lead to recurring back pain or cause permanent injury to other parts of the back and spine. Compressed discs are also known as prolapsed, ruptured or slipped discs. One of the first symptoms that indicate the presence of a compressed disc is a sense of numbness or tingling...

A: A bulged disc is a common and painful disorder where the innermost nucleus of the disc in the spine applies pressure against the outer portion of the disc, forming a bubble or a bulge. With a bulged disc, the nucleus is still within the walls of the disc and the disc has not torn or ruptured; however, the pressure placed on the nerve root of the spine can cause extreme pain. A bulged disc can occur in any portion of the spine, but it is most common in the lower back or the lumbar area. There are...